Where is Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano?

Editorial

SENATE Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano was marked absent once again on Monday, failing to appear both at the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte and during the Senate plenary session — and no notice or explanation was submitted from his office.

Senate Secretary Renato Bantug confirmed the absence, saying that there had been “no communication from his office” regarding the reason for his non-appearance. As of Monday afternoon, Cayetano’s office still had not disclosed why the senator was away.

Cayetano has been a consistent no-show at both the impeachment proceedings and plenary sessions — held every Monday through Wednesday — since August 11. During the previous week, his sister Sen. Pia Cayetano and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri had stated that the minority leader was absent because he was “not feeling well.” However, the lack of any formal update or medical documentation this week has fueled questions about his whereabouts and when he might return to duty.

Senator Loren Legarda extends medical leave

Adding to the Senate’s depleted ranks, Sen. Loren Legarda has also extended her medical leave and will remain away from the Senate floor until August 19. The prolonged absences of two senior senators come at a critical time, as the chamber juggles the high‑profile impeachment trial alongside the opening of deliberations on the proposed ₱7.2‑trillion 2027 national budget. Senate leadership continues to await official word on when both senators are expected to resume their duties.